{"id":143451,"date":"2023-12-01T07:15:24","date_gmt":"2023-12-01T12:15:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/spanish-terms-of-endearment\/"},"modified":"2025-02-23T23:58:39","modified_gmt":"2025-02-24T04:58:39","slug":"spanish-terms-of-endearment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/spanish-terms-of-endearment\/","title":{"rendered":"35 Common Terms of Endearment in Spanish"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Spanish language is filled with love and charm<\/a>, and there are many terms of endearment for you to learn.\u00a0While many of them are fun and easy to pick up, they can also get a little confusing\u00a0at times.<\/p>\n

This article will give you 20 terms of endearment in Spanish to warm the hearts of your Spanish-speaking friends and lovers.<\/p>\n

[fluentu-toc]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Spanish culture is not afraid to show affection, and one of the best ways you can do that is through your words!<\/p>\n

We have our own terms of affection in English: baby, sweetheart, dear,<\/em> etc. so it only makes sense that Spanish would have some too.<\/p>\n

Here are some of the most common ways you may hear someone express their adoration in Spanish.<\/p>\n

1. Mi Alma<\/em> \u2014 My Soul<\/h2>\n

This one means “my soul,” so you’d be right to assume that this isn’t used as<\/em> lightly as the other nicknames that lovers may use. You’ll want to use this with a significant other who you’re very serious about.<\/p>\n

S\u00ed, quiero casarme con ella, es mi alma<\/strong><\/em>. (Yes, I want to marry her, she is my soul.)<\/p>\n

2. Bomb\u00f3n<\/em> \u2014 Sweetie<\/h2>\n

Bomb\u00f3n <\/em>means “candy,” so this one isn’t that different from “sweetie,” right? If you want to make things extra-sweet, just add -ito<\/em> to the end and … voil\u00e0<\/em>!<\/p>\n

\u00bfQuieres venir conmigo, bomboncito<\/strong>?<\/em> (Would you like to come with me, sweetie?)<\/p>\n

3. Mi Vida<\/em> \u2014 My Life<\/h2>\n

Mi vida\u00a0<\/em>means “my life.” You might also hear vida m\u00eda<\/em>, which means the same thing.<\/p>\n

Mi vida<\/strong>, siempre estar\u00e9 contigo<\/em>. (My life, I will always be with you.)<\/p>\n

4. Coraz\u00f3n<\/em> \u2014 My Heart<\/h2>\n

Coraz\u00f3n <\/em>means “heart,” and it’s a nice way to express your love but still be a bit casual. You can also use coraz\u00f3n <\/em>on its own.<\/p>\n

This one can be used between lovers, but you’ll probably hear it a lot when referring to children as well. You can also use mi coraz\u00f3n<\/em> instead, and it’ll have little-to-no change in meaning.<\/p>\n

Ten cuidado,\u00a0coraz\u00f3n<\/strong><\/em>. (Be careful, dear.)<\/p>\n

5. Mijo \/ Mija<\/em> \u2014 My Son\/Daughter<\/h2>\n

This word is short for\u00a0mi hijo,\u00a0<\/i>which translates\u00a0to “my son.” The feminine version is short for mi\u00a0hija,\u00a0<\/em>which means “my daughter.” They can both be made diminutive,\u00a0mijito <\/em>and mijita, <\/em>to make it even more charming.<\/p>\n

This term of endearment is used by parents, extended family<\/a>, friends and strangers alike.<\/p>\n

While it may sound a little strange that a stranger could call a child their son or daughter, the community-centered culture found in Spanish-speaking areas makes this pretty normal.<\/p>\n

Mijo<\/strong>, ll\u00e9vale esto a tu madre.<\/em> (My son, take this to your mother.)<\/p>\n

6. Mi Cielo<\/em> \u2014 My Sky<\/h2>\n

This poetic term of endearment means “my little sky” or “my little heaven,” and is often used with children but sometimes with lovers as well.<\/p>\n

Note that this word does not change genders since\u00a0el cielo\u00a0<\/em>(the sky) is always masculine.<\/p>\n

Isabel es bonita, mi cielo<\/strong><\/em>. (Isabel is beautiful, my little heaven.)<\/p>\n

7. Nene \/ Nena<\/em> \u2014 Baby Boy\/Girl<\/h2>\n

Nene\u00a0<\/i>translates to “baby boy,” and\u00a0nena\u00a0<\/em>translates to “baby girl.” It can be used in a way similar to how “kiddo” is used in English.<\/p>\n

Also, it can be used like “babe” or “baby” to refer to a boyfriend or girlfriend.<\/p>\n

Tu nene<\/strong> va a ser fuerte<\/em>. (Your baby boy is going to be strong.)<\/p>\n

8. Chiquito \/ Chiquita<\/em> \u2014 Little One<\/h2>\n

This word may sound strangely familiar… probably because Chiquita is one of the most popular brands of bananas in the United States!<\/p>\n

Chiquita <\/em>is used to call a girl\u00a0“little one,” and\u00a0chiquito\u00a0<\/em>is used for a boy. You can even add more it’<\/em>s to the word for some extra sweetness (does chiquitita <\/strong><\/em>ring any bells?).<\/p>\n

Tienes mucho que aprender, chiquita<\/strong><\/em>. (You have a lot to learn, little one.)<\/p>\n

9. Reinita<\/em> \u2014 Little Queen<\/h2>\n

Meaning “little queen,” this one is usually reserved for young girls.\u00a0Princesa,\u00a0<\/i>which means “princess,” is equally common for little ladies.<\/p>\n

Of course, some couples sometimes use these as well.<\/p>\n

Mi reinita<\/strong> puede tener lo que quiera<\/em>. (My little queen can have whatever she wants.)<\/p>\n

10. Corazoncito<\/em> \u2014 Sweetheart<\/h2>\n

“Sweetheart” is probably one of the most common terms of endearment for children in English, and corazoncito <\/em>is the Spanish equivalent. And again, you can certainly use this one when talking to your significant other.<\/p>\n

Ella es su corazoncito<\/strong><\/em>. (She is his sweetheart.)<\/p>\n

11. Pap\u00e1 \/ Mam\u00e1<\/em>\u00a0<\/i>\u2014 Papa\/Mama<\/h2>\n

Of course, you probably already know what these two words mean, but what’s interesting\u00a0is how<\/em> they’re used in many regions of Latin America.<\/p>\n

Much like strangers might call a child\u00a0mijo,\u00a0<\/em>it’s\u00a0quite common to call someone who isn’t your father or mother pap\u00e1<\/em>\u00a0or mam\u00e1.<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Other variations on this include\u00a0papi\/mami, papito\/mamita\u00a0<\/em>and\u00a0papacito\/mamacita.<\/em><\/p>\n

Necesito tu ayuda, pap\u00e1<\/strong><\/em>. (I need your help papa.)<\/p>\n

12. Viejo \/ Vieja<\/em> \u2014 Old Man\/Woman<\/h2>\n

Meaning “old man” or “old woman,” this one may seem a little offensive, but you’ll notice with the next few terms that Spanish will use words that would be seen as offensive to English speakers as terms of endearment.<\/p>\n

Spanish speakers often don’t take things too literally, so a seemingly crass word to us can more easily be accepted in a playful and lighthearted manner to them. That’s how viejo\u00a0<\/em>and\u00a0vieja\u00a0<\/em>can be teasingly used as fun terms of endearment among friends.<\/p>\n

Just be careful with who you say this one to… you can use it to refer to your parents when speaking with friends, but depending on the situation, it may not be so wise it to say to your parent’s face.<\/p>\n

Mi viejo<\/strong> dice que no puedo salir contigo esta noche.<\/em> (My old man says I can’t go out with you tonight.)<\/p>\n

13. Gordo \/ Gorda<\/em> \u2014 Fatty<\/h2>\n

Gordo\u00a0<\/em>is the word\u00a0for “fat” in Spanish, so this one translates to something like “fatty.”<\/p>\n

I know, you’re probably thinking about how dangerous it seems, but contrary to intuition, it’s actually used affectionately between friends and lovers in Spanish.<\/p>\n

Gordito <\/em>and\u00a0gordita <\/i>are also used, with the diminutive suffixes adding even more warmth.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Hola gordo<\/strong>, \u00bfquieres ir al parque?<\/em> (Hey dear, want to go to the park?)<\/p>\n

14. Flaco \/ Flaca<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 Skinny<\/h2>\n

In English, it would seem a little awkward to refer to someone as “skinny,” but this is often done in Spanish.<\/p>\n

You just need to remember to make it either masculine or feminine accordingly.<\/p>\n

The suffix\u00a0-ito\u00a0<\/em>can also be added to this term. However, because it ends in a\u00a0-c<\/em>\u00a0and you need to maintain the hard K\u00a0sound, it becomes either\u00a0flaquito\u00a0<\/em>or\u00a0flaquita<\/em>\u00a0with a q<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Quiero mucho a mi flaco<\/strong><\/em>. (I love my man so much.)<\/p>\n

15. Loco \/ Loca<\/em> \u2014 Crazy<\/h2>\n

Loco\/a\u00a0<\/em>means “crazy,” and is usually used to playfully refer to someone in good humor\u2014depending on the situation, of course!<\/p>\n

Tranquilo, loco<\/strong>, ya voy<\/em>. (Calm down crazy, I’m coming.)<\/p>\n

16. Chulo \/ Chula<\/em> \u2014 Cool Guy\/Girl<\/h2>\n

Meaning “cute,” “cool” or generally “nice,” this term is used with people of all ages\u2014but only in Spain and certain parts of Latin America. In other parts of Latin America, this can sound old-fashioned or negative.<\/p>\n

In the regions where it is\u00a0<\/em>used,\u00a0chulo\/a<\/em>\u00a0can be used to express interest in someone and when speaking casually with friends, children and others.<\/p>\n

Quiere hablar con ese <\/em>chulo<\/em>.<\/strong> (She wants to talk to that cool guy.)<\/p>\n

17. Lindo \/ Linda<\/em> \u2014 Cutie<\/h2>\n

As an adjective, this word translates to “pretty,” “handsome,” “good” or “nice.” As a noun, it can mean words like “cutie” and “babe.” And as both an adjective and a noun, it’s not<\/strong> reserved only for women as it is in the English language!<\/p>\n

This word can also be used in exclamation. “\u00a1Qu\u00e9 lindo(a)!”\u00a0<\/em>is said to compliment anything and anyone, much like “How pretty!” is used in English.<\/p>\n

Hola, lindo<\/strong>, \u00bfc\u00f3mo dormiste?<\/em> (Hey handsome, how did you sleep?)<\/p>\n

18. Querido \/ Querida<\/em> \u2014 Dear<\/h2>\n

This term is a little more formal than some on this list, and it’s often used in writing.<\/p>\n

Hola, querida<\/strong>, \u00bfc\u00f3mo est\u00e1s hoy?<\/em> (Hi dear, how are you today?)<\/p>\n

19. Cari\u00f1o<\/em> \u2014 Honey\/Sweetie<\/h2>\n

This is another classic Spanish term of endearment. You can call a friend or a romantic partner this. You can also use it with children.<\/p>\n

Te extra\u00f1o, cari\u00f1o<\/strong>. \u00bfCu\u00e1ndo nos vemos?<\/em> (I miss you honey. When we will meet?)<\/p>\n

20. Amor<\/em> \u2014 Love<\/h2>\n

The classic Spanish term of affection. Without amor,\u00a0<\/em>we’d have nothing.<\/p>\n

\u00a1Amor, ya llegu\u00e9!<\/em> (Baby, I’m home!)<\/p>\n

21. Mi Amor<\/em> \u2014 My Love<\/h2>\n

This is a classic phrase that you can use with lovers, spouses, and children.<\/p>\n

Buenas noches, mi amor<\/strong>. Sue\u00f1a conmigo.<\/em> (Goodnight, my love. Dream with me.)<\/p>\n

22. Tesoro<\/em> \u2014 Treasure<\/h2>\n

Everyone searches for treasures, but you’ve found yours! This one is commonly used between partners, but you can also use it with children (e.g. a mother talking to her dear son).<\/p>\n

\u00bfC\u00f3mo est\u00e1s, tesoro<\/strong>?<\/em> (How are you, dear?)<\/p>\n

23. Pr\u00edncipe<\/em> \/ Princesa<\/em> \u2014 Prince\/Princess<\/h2>\n

If you value a woman so much, you may come to think of her as a princess.<\/p>\n

Buenos d\u00edas, princesa<\/strong>. \u00bfQu\u00e9 tienes planeado para hoy?<\/em> (Good morning, princess. What do you have planned for today?)<\/p>\n

24. Mi Sol<\/em> \u2014 My Sunshine<\/h2>\n

Sunshine warms our hearts and lights our days. So if someone calls you mi sol<\/em>, you give them these same feelings.<\/p>\n

Mi sol<\/em>,<\/strong> te amo cada d\u00eda m\u00e1s.<\/em> (My sunshine, I love you more each day.)<\/p>\n

25. Angelito<\/em> \u2014 Little Angel<\/h2>\n

You’ll hear this being said about young children, although you could also use it with your special one if they really are an angel to you!<\/p>\n

\u00bfC\u00f3mo est\u00e1 el angelito<\/strong>?<\/i> (How’s the little angel?)<\/p>\n

26. Gatito \/ Gatita<\/em> \u2014 Kitten<\/h2>\n

If you’re someone’s kitten, they love and adore you.<\/p>\n

Gatita, \u00bfquieres ir al cine?<\/em> (Kitty, do you want to go to the movies?)<\/p>\n

27. Osito \/ Osita<\/em> \u2014 Little Bear<\/h2>\n

Everyone loves a cuddly bear, right?<\/p>\n

Te quiero mucho, mi\u00a0osito<\/strong><\/em>. (I love you so much, my baby bear.)<\/p>\n

28. Cosita<\/em> \u2014 Little Thing<\/h2>\n

“A cute little thing” is a great and adorable thing to say to young children\u2014or a really cute partner!<\/p>\n

Ven aqu\u00ed, cosita<\/strong> linda.<\/em> (Come here, pretty little thing.)<\/p>\n

29. Mi Todo<\/em> \u2014 My Everything<\/h2>\n

Maybe a slight exaggeration, if you’re someone’s\u00a0todo<\/em>, you’re considered a very important and loved person.<\/p>\n

Eres mi todo<\/strong>, mi amor.<\/em> (You are my everything, my love.)<\/p>\n

30. Ratoncito \/ Ratoncita<\/em> \u2014 Little Mouse<\/h2>\n

If someone tells you that you’re a cute and cuddly little mouse, you’re loved.<\/p>\n

\u00bfC\u00f3mo te fue en el trabajo, ratoncito<\/strong><\/em>? (How was work, baby?)<\/p>\n

31. Solecito<\/em> \u2014 Little Sunshine<\/h2>\n

If you’re someone’s little sun, you’re very important to them.<\/p>\n

Buenos d\u00edas, solecito.<\/em> (Good morning, my little sunshine.)<\/p>\n

32. Mu\u00f1eco \/ Mu\u00f1eca<\/em> \u2014 Doll\/Toy<\/h2>\n

This may sound a little creepy, until you hear it whispered to you in Castilian Spanish.<\/p>\n

Hola, mu\u00f1eca<\/strong>; \u00bfc\u00f3mo est\u00e1s?<\/em> (Hey, baby doll, how are you?)<\/p>\n

33. Chiquit\u00edn \/ Chiquitina<\/em> \u2014 Tiny One<\/h2>\n

This funny word expresses endearment towards someone or something small and cute. Even if you’re not small, you can still use this one.<\/p>\n

Ven aqu\u00ed, chiquitina<\/strong>;\u00a0te voy a cargar<\/em>. (Come here, tiny one, I’m going to carry you.)<\/p>\n

34. Coraz\u00f3n de Mel\u00f3n<\/em> \u2014 Melon Heart<\/h2>\n

This funny Spanish term of endearment conveys sweetness and freshness, like a ripe melon.<\/p>\n

Te adoro,\u00a0coraz\u00f3n de mel\u00f3n<\/strong><\/em>. (I adore you, sweetheart.)<\/p>\n

35. T\u00f3rtolo \/ T\u00f3rtola<\/em> \u2014 Lovebird<\/h2>\n

A t\u00f3rtolo<\/em> is a turtledove, but in the flirting department this means “lovebird”! Add “ito” or “ita” at the end and you’ll have a super corny, lovey-dovey term of endearment for your special one!<\/p>\n

Que descanses, mi tortolita<\/strong>.<\/i> (Sleep well, my little lovebird.)<\/p>\n

Use these terms of endearment and your Spanish loved ones are sure to feel the love!\u00a0If you want to learn more about the Spanish romance culture, try observing how natives use these terms for endearment.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re not located in a Spanish-speaking country, you can also find virtual ways to learn Spanish language and culture.\u00a0Using authentic content like romance movies or shows can help: look for these on places like Netflix<\/a>, Amazon<\/a> or your streaming service of choice.<\/p>\n

You can also use a program like FluentU<\/a> to search for terms of endearment in Spanish and see them used in different videos.

FluentU<\/strong> takes authentic videos\u2014like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks\u2014and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.<\/p>\r\n

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app<\/a> or Android app.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month)<\/a><\/i>\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n \"FluentU\r\n

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